IUSY supports the ‘Atin! Ito Coalition’, which advocates for the defence and protection of the West Philippine Sea.
The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) strongly supports the Atin! To Coalition ("This is ours!") as they launch a civilian-led supply mission to Scarborough Shoal on May 15, 2024. The Atin! Ito Coalition is a coalition of diverse civil society groups that is dedicated to amplify the call to defend and protect the West Philippine Sea. This coalition will deliver food, basic supplies, and fuel to the fisherfolk communities and frontliners who tirelessly protect and assert Philippine sovereignty.
IUSY acknowledges the Philippines' victory in the arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and condemns the ongoing illegal and violent activities conducted by Chinese coast guards in the West Philippine Sea, despite the ruling.
We are alarmed by the large blockade around the shoal deployed by China ahead of the Philippine civilian mission. This aggressive action poses a threat not only to the Atin! To civilian mission and the Philippines but also to neighboring Southeast Asian countries that are located near the conflict area. We urge the international community to closely monitor this show of force by China and ensure that international laws are upheld.
Despite this threat, the coalition is determined to proceed with the mission. We strongly commend the brave civilians who defend Philippine sovereignty through peaceful means, demonstrating courage and resilience in the face of intimidation.
May 16, 2024
